Electronic Health Record FAQ’s

On Monday, February 27, 2017, SEARHC upgraded to a progressive, state-of-the-art electronic health record (EHR) system. Our new EHR will help our providers put the patient at the center of care and securely share patient information with one another across all SEARHC sites and other designated health partners. The system will give your medical team upgraded tools to improve communication, coordination, safety, and overall quality.

SEARHC is also planning the development of a patient portal in partnership with Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC). We look forward to sharing news about this new resource in early 2018.

I received a letter saying SEARHC is changing over to a new electronic health record system. What is it exactly?

An electronic health record (EHR) system maintains patient medical records electronically rather than using paper files.

SEARHC has been using electronic health records (EHR) for a number of years already. The new system is simply an upgraded version that allows all of our providers to immediately and securely access and share your health information across all SEARHC sites and with our health partners at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) using a single system.

Is my health information secure?

Your privacy is important to us. The new system, like our previous one, follows industry standard best practices for healthcare information security and confidentiality.

How is this better for me?

The ability for all SEARHC providers to access your medical records means that you can be seen in any of our clinics throughout Southeast or at Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital and our staff has immediate access to your medical history, which will follow you as you move between hospitals, doctors, and other providers. Those caring for you can easily track your progress and be proactive, which in turn allows you to feel better sooner, and maintain your health through prevention.

Will everything happen faster, since this is 100% digital?

Eventually, it will. However, as with anything new, it will take a little time for our staff to get used to using it. Because of that, your appointments may take a bit longer than usual at first to give providers more time to update your medical record. That may also mean it may temporarily take longer to schedule an appointment with you preferred provider.

What about getting my prescriptions filled?

It will also take pharmacy staff longer to process prescription refills for a while, so we ask that you try to anticipate the need for medication refills and submit them several days in advance.

However, these delays are only temporary, and we will return to regular scheduling for medical appointments and prescription refills as soon as possible.

Will all of my information transfer to the new system?

The conversion to the new system requires us to re-enter some patient data manually, so starting February 27, we’d like everyone to please bring the following to your medical appointments, or when you pick up your prescriptions: